The Rest Of The Way

Today Ashley and I celebrate 8 years of being married. Anniversaries give a number to something that's so amazing it's hard to measure. We can't tell you the tears we've cried together, the laughs at things no one but her understands, the adventures and misadventures we've shared.

Everyone looks up the things that represent your anniversary, and we're no different. They are bronze, pottery, the jewel tourmaline, cotton, and linen.

Bronze because it was forged by the mixture of copper and tin, tried by fire, and made stronger by being together. Pottery because it can begin as a lump of clay, and transformed into a beautiful vessel to hold precious things. Tourmaline is a jewel that ranges almost every color, from black to blue, to yellow, and a striped green and pink, known as watermelon.

The cotton and linen interest me both. Possibly because of being a Minister, l think of souls redeemed, mistakes forgiven, and new life created. Cotton can either shrink or stretch. When it shrinks, it can be because of mistreatment in the maintenance of it. When it stretches, it is forgiving of an extra pound or two.

Marriage is like that. Strong when you stand together. Beautiful when shaped, and given the necessary attention. Colorful, reflective of both your dreams. Shrinking when there's a lack of communication, but expanding when you're open with each other.

Next to Salvation, it's the greatest event in my life. I love her dearly, and I couldn't imagine life without her. I also can't tell you what tomorrow holds, but I know this. The same One who joined us as one, will keep us that way, the rest of the way!